On September 17th, the Professional Development Committee (PDC) Vice Chairs Maggie Poon and Ona Lu hosted the official launch of their “Hello, It’s Me!” Wellness Podcast.
Attendees gathered at the Sterling Cafe located on the 3rd floor of the offices of A&O Shearman, some dressed in traditional Mid-Autumn Festival attire, and everyone enjoyed light bites and drinks while networking with one another.
PDC Co-Chair Nandar Win Kerr started the program with opening remarks, thanking event host Ashley Shan, Co-Vice President of Programs and Operations and Associate at A&O Shearman, for providing the lovely venue. Nandar then gave the floor to Beatrice Leong and Celina Lee, who introduced themselves.
Beatrice, a former legal intern at the Attorney General’s Office for the State of Connecticut, began her legal career with aspirations to become a prosecutor. However, her path took a turn when she shifted to practicing divorce and family law. Celina, on the other hand, started as an investment banker and corporate lawyer but now dedicates her life to career coaching, helping others find purpose and fulfillment in their professional lives. Their diverse career trajectories set the stage for a thoughtful discussion about life’s unexpected twists and the importance of mental health.
After these brief introductions, Ona Lu, Products Counsel at Uber, and Maggie Poon, Contracts Counsel at Equinox, hosts of the wellness podcast, introduced themselves and treated the attendees to a short 20-minute video excerpt of the second episode in the podcast series, featuring Beatrice Leong.
The conversation started with rapid-fire questions to help the audience get to know Beatrice better, followed by a deeper dive into her experiences. Beatrice opened up about her personal heartbreak. After discovering that her husband had been unfaithful, following a relationship that spanned thirteen years, she described the experience as her “villain origin story.” Up until then, Beatrice had wanted to pursue a career in prosecution, even landing a role at the District Attorney’s Office. However, the pain of betrayal and heartbreak eventually led her to shift her career focus from prosecution to divorce law. Rather than being consumed by her heartbreak, she channeled it into her professional passion for helping others navigate the difficult and emotional process of divorce.
“Why divorce law?” she is often asked. Her answer is simple yet profound: “I like to help people going through what I have gone through; I want to feel like I am doing something important.” For Beatrice, the most rewarding part of her work is helping her clients see light at the end of the tunnel, much like she did during her own personal journey. To hear the full podcast, go here.
Celina had a different journey of mental health counseling and recovery. She recounted how she had dedicated her whole life to “getting good grades” even if it meant skipping parties and “securing a good job” – even if it meant a job that she wasn’t passionate about. In retrospect, she had been motivated by fear: fear of failure and of not making her parents and peers proud.
She expressed regret that although she had achieved prestige and a well-paying job, she did not quite feel fulfilled. “I had won the race, but I felt like I was in the wrong race.”
She entered a dark period in her life where she felt lost in her career and didn’t know what to do. Luckily, after receiving mental health coaching, she developed a support network.
She started to focus on herself and not on what other people wanted her to do. She started her “Live Your Dream” podcast where she regularly reflects on her former life and how she found fulfillment. To hear the full podcast of Celina’s interview on “Hello, It’s Me,” go here.
Both Beatrice and Celina agreed that everyone needs a support network; too many Asians don’t seek support and don’t prioritize their mental health. Those brought up in Asian cultures were never taught the importance of mental health. Lack of support can really weigh one’s mental health down and ultimately makes it harder to focus on work and overcome challenges.
The event wrapped up with closing remarks by Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director. He spoke about the benefits ofjoining AABANY as a member and encouraged attendees to register for upcoming events such as the October bi-monthly pro bono clinic in Queens on October 2, and the AABANY Fall Conference on October 12.
Special thanks to Professional Development Committee Co-chairs Nandar Win Kerr and May Wong for organizing this insightful event.
Thank you to all who joined the Professional Development Committee for the soft-launch of AABANY’s Wellness Podcast, “Hello… It’s Me!,” on August 22, 2024. The podcast promotes personal and collective well-being within the legal community and will feature an AABANY member during each episode. Through storytelling, the aim is to emphasize the ABA’s multi-dimensional approach to lawyer well-being, focusing on mental health, emotional well-being, and self-care. By doing so, the Committee is working to remove the stigma around mental health and help our members embrace their true and authentic selves.
At the soft-launch, Willow Liu, Esq., a steadfast member of the Professional Development Committee and podcast team, moderated the event. The hosts and interviewers, Maggie Poon and Ona Lu, Vice-Chairs of the Professional Development Committee, shared their insights on conducting engaging and open conversations. The event’s special guest, Celina Lee, a former big law attorney turned career coach, author, and host of the “Live Your Dream” podcast, provided deep insights during her interview. A 13-minute podcast clip was presented featuring Celina Lee, who discussed how she focused her goals so that they would align with her values, and enable her to live her dreams. Celina’s advice was that “there’s no one path to create a fulfilling life,” which resonated with the audience and served as a powerful reminder to stay curious.
The thought-provoking questions from our attendees were much appreciated, and the Professional Development Committee eagerly anticipates hearing more feedback from future participants! If you’re interested in contributing to this podcast, please get in touch with [email protected].
You can listen to the podcast on the following platforms:
AABANY Blog Page: https://blog.aabany.org/podcast/, which contains both “Hello…It’s Me” and our prior podcast series, “The Whole Lawyer Project.”
Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hello-its-me/id1764135581
WASHINGTON – The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY), the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) are anguished at the tragic death of Victoria Lee during an encounter with police officers in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on July 28, 2024. We stand in solidarity with the Korean American community in the Fort Lee area, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Victoria Lee’s family and loved ones.
Members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities are not immune to the challenges caused by mental health crises, which may be exacerbated by cultural and language barriers. Ms. Lee’s death underscores the pressing need for greater mental health awareness and services.
We strongly encourage the Attorney General of New Jersey to provide candid and timely information, including in language for the local community, as the investigation unfolds. We further call on the Fort Lee Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor, and local leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Korean American community in order to ensure that similar tragedies are not repeated.
뉴욕한인 변호사 협회(KALAGNY), 뉴저지 동양인 변호사 협회(APALA-NJ), 전미 동양인 변호사협회(NAPABA), 뉴욕 동양인 변호 사 협회(AABANY), 그리고 뉴욕 필리핀 변호사협회(FALA-NY)는 2024년7월28일 뉴저지 포트리에서 출동한 경찰과의 대치 끝에 비극적인 죽음에 이른 빅토리아 리(26세) 씨 사건에 대하여 비통한 마음을 금치 못하고 있습니다. 저희 협회들은(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 포트리 지역의 한인 커뮤니티와의 연대를 표명하며, 빅토리아 리씨의 가족과 친지에 게 깊은 애도를 표합니다.
모든 동양계 미국인들은 정신건강에서 초래한 문제로부터 자유롭지 않으며, 이러한 문제는 문화 및 언어 장벽에 의하여 악화될수 있습니 다. 빅토리아 리씨의 죽음은 정신건강에 대한 인식 개선과 서비스 기회가 절실히 필요하다는 것을 분명히 보여주는 사건입니다.
저희는(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 이번 사건에 대하여 뉴저지 검찰청이 수사진행 과정을 빠짐없이 신속하게 제공하도록 하며, 정보 제공 시 해당 지역사회의 언어로 번역된 정보를 포함하여 제공하도록 뉴저지 법무장관 에게 강력히 촉 구 합니다. 저희는 아울러 포트리 경찰, 버겐카운티 검찰 그리고 지역 리더들이 한인 커뮤니티와의 의미 있는 대화를 통해 이와 같은 비극 이 다시는 반복되지 않도록 보장하는 노력을 해줄 것을 요청하는 바입니다.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.
The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) is a professional membership organization of attorneys and law students engaged with the issues affecting the Korean American community in Greater New York, which include New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Incorporated in 1986, KALAGNY seeks to encourage the professional growth of its members as well as provide legal support for the Korean American community. To achieve these goals, KALAGNY provides its members with training and resources useful for professional advancement; expands access to legal services and education in greater New York’s Korean American communities; identifies opportunities for its members to serve the communities in which provides a forum for the expression and exchange of opinions concerning social, political, economic, legal and other issues of concern to our members. KALAGNY is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (“NAPABA”).
The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA- NJ) was founded in 1985 and is the largest specialty bar association that collectively represents the interests of Asian and Pacific American lawyers in the State of New Jersey. APALA-NJ focuses on ensuring greater representation of Asian and Pacific American attorneys in various sectors of the legal profession.
The Asian American Bar Association of New York is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) professional membership organization of attorneys concerned with issues affecting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Incorporated in 1989, AABANY seeks not only to encourage the professional growth of its members but also to advocate for the AAPI community as a whole. AABANY is a New York regional affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).
The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) promotes the professional development, interests, and success of Filipino-American legal professionals in the Metro New York area. FALA-NY also endeavors to foster connections between Filipino-American legal professionals and the broader Filipino community. Members of FALA-NY’s Board affiliated with the state and federal court system in New York and New Jersey have abstained from FALA-NY’s endorsement of this statement.
On July 20, 2024, AABANY successfully hosted its second annual Wellness Day at Brooklyn Law School during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This event was made possible through the generous support of our dedicated speakers and sponsors, enabling us to address crucial topics including how to be resilient and open to change, depression and finding a support group and resources, imposter syndrome, and more, all of which were in line with AABANY’s wellness and well-being initiatives begun by Immediate Past President Karen Kim during the 2024 fiscal year.
Mental health and well-being, particularly within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and in the context of the legal profession, have often been overlooked and under-discussed. With the culture of the legal profession tending to glorify working long hours, AABANY seeks to break down barriers and shed light on these critical issues, providing a non-judgmental and supportive platform for necessary conversations to take place.
Doors opened for Wellness Day at 9 am with the first 25 attendees to sign-in receiving a complimentary AABANY yoga stretch band. Attendees were encouraged to come in casual attire, and the program was also offered via Zoom, to accommodate those who were unable to attend in-person. The full-day event kicked off with breakfast from Paris Baguette, allowing participants to network and connect with one another over pastries and coffee for an enjoyable hour. At 10 am, AABANY’s Immediate Past President, Karen Kim delivered welcoming remarks. She expressed her gratitude to all the attendees who joined this impactful event and the pivotal role of the speakers and sponsors, recognizing their significant contribution to wellness and mental health advocacy.
Joseph Milowic III, the Founder of the Lawyers Depression Project, kicked off the event with a touching presentation. He started off his program, titled “A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness Practice,” by talking about his battle with depression, forgiveness, and how he learned to prioritize his own wellbeing, peace and self-care.
Joseph shared how he changed his life’s path trajectory by recounting his story and opening up about his struggles. Joseph emphasized the significance of forgiveness – forgiving others but most importantly, oneself. He shared how once you’ve released the lingering negative energy from your mind, it makes you lighter with more space for more important problems. Joseph and the audience took a moment of silence, letting those who participated finally release the grudges they had been harboring for much too long.
Joseph founded the Lawyers Depression Project in order to help those who have been in a similar situation as him, quickly realizing that by sharing his story he was helping others see that they are not alone. Towards the end of his presentation Joseph listed ways to help a struggling loved one, which consisted of recommending books or therapy, sending prayers, and simply letting them know you care. Thank you, Joseph Milowic, for setting a conciliatory tone for the day and reinforcing the importance of prioritizing wellness and forgiveness for personal and professional growth.
For more information about the Lawyers Depression project and Joseph Milowic, please visit his website here.
Next to speak was Precious L. Williams, a charismatic business owner, international professional speaker, and serial entrepreneur, who shared her inspiring story of triumph in her program titled “Making the Right Moves.” Precious recounted that her father was a drug addict, that she grew up in poverty and also experienced homelessness, but none of these setbacks stopped her from being driven to succeed.
Precious emphasized in her presentation that she was a plus-sized woman of color who was abusing alcohol, and that she had to work twice as hard as everyone else to get by. She expressed her belief that it doesn’t just take hard work to make it to the top, it takes courage. She attended law school feeling embarrassed and out of place, and instead of approaching life day by day, she had to live moment by moment. A significant component to Precious’s wellness journey was forgiving and embracing her family once again, with them showing up to support her at her graduation. She soon began making more efforts to improve her health by attending counseling sessions, starting medication, becoming sober, and learning new cleaning and cooking techniques. Following up, she worked on how to present herself and found a trusted network that supported her completely. We are grateful to Precious L. Williams for sharing her motivating story and for showing everyone that their mental health journey will be worth the hardships.
For more information about Precious L. Williams, please click here.
When the morning session concluded, attendees were treated to lunch sponsored by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. The lunch break provided an informal and relaxed opportunity for everyone to chat, mingle, and network over delicious and comforting Korean cuisine. Sarah B. Wong, a Partner at Willkie Farr, gave remarks on the importance of wellness in the workplace. She encouraged attendees to prioritize their own health and balance in their daily lives. Thank you to Willkie Farr for their support of wellness and well-being in the legal community.
The afternoon session started off with a fireside chat titled, “The Eras Tour: Coping Mechanisms for Stress throughout Our Careers,” featuring Sonia Low, VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, Founder and President, Future Bright Dermatology. . They began with going through the different “eras” of their own lives, and how they coped with stress in each, describing how their coping mechanisms had evolved from jetting off to a concert when they were younger, to becoming running buddies as working mothers. They continued their presentation by involving the audience with a brief interactive “self care assessment,” going over seven different aspects of self care. Sonia and Elaine stressed the importance of all areas of self care in order to have a satisfying life as well as going over coping mechanisms and tactics to employ when you’re feeling the stress of life again. Participants were encouraged to embrace intense learning, reconnect and become a part of a community that means something to each one of them, and to live life to the fullest.
Sonia and Elaine introduced a mindful breathing exercise, with the prompt: “Think of an object you love.” Audience members then shared what object they were thinking about, reminding participants of what they are grateful for, even the little things. Attendees joined in an interactive discussion, sharing what they were grateful for and how to have a grateful mindset. They emphasized the importance of human connection, finding a healthy outlet and building relationships in order to become the best version of yourself and assess what will help you to ensure a healthier, more balanced legal journey.
Next, in her session titled, “Do What You LOVE: Creating a Thriving and Fulfilling Career,“ Celina Lee, Executive and Career Coach as well as the podcast host for Celina Lee Coaching, focused on career purpose and happiness. She described how, in her earlier professional life, she would often only do something if it contributed to her resume. However, this approach ended up not being a good source of joy for her as she wasn’t paying attention to her emotions and interests. Now, she is living her dream life, traveling the world and speaking at various events as a life coach. Celina encouraged attendees to spend time learning about themselves using their feelings, passions, and more, to help answer the question “What defines a happy life for you?” The internal struggle about your identity and passions can be overwhelming to many, which is why Celina emphasized “co-existing” with your thoughts and goals, as well as taking action. Rejection is an “experience of action,” and is not to be dwelled upon as it is only the first step to success.
As her session came to a close, she circled back to the various concepts she discussed:
to follow your passions (as well as not give up on those passions)
to take action without overthinking things
how courage is more important than confidence
how attendees shouldn’t be “a fake friend to [themselves].”
During her program, Celina showed us that “L.O.V.E.” is what you need to live a happy life:
The first step to a happy life is to “Learn about yourself,” know what makes you the happiest you can be.
The second step is to “Overcome internal obstacles,” as our own insecurities and self-doubts prevent us from taking action and moving forward. If your issue is understanding which are your goals and dreams, nothing is bound to happen.
The third step is to “Visualize your success” and switch your thoughts, start thinking about the best case scenario instead of the worst.
The last and final step to living a happy life is to “Explore and take action,” by asking yourself how your feelings and actions, even the negative ones, help you learn more about yourself. Treat and support yourself just as you would a dear friend along their journey.
Celina ended her session with an encouragement to attendees not to overthink and under act, stating, “20 minutes of doing something is more important than 20 hours of thinking about doing something.”
For more information about Celina Lee, please click here.
To conclude Wellness Day, Yang Chen, Executive director of AABANY, moderated a panel titled, “Prioritizing Wellness While Advancing Your Career” to discuss how important mental health is in your career as well as how to balance work and well-being. On the panel were: Sapna Palla, Partner at A&O Shearman and past President of AABANY; Glenn D. Magpantay, Commissioner to the U.S Commission on Civil Rights and Co-Chair of AABANY’s LGBTQ Committee; and Domenick Napoletano, President of the New York State Bar Association.
The speakers shared that mental health days were more foreign concepts to older generations. It wasn’t common to speak out about your mental health, let alone dedicate days to mental wellness. But over time, they have learned to manage their stress by focusing on their wellness, learning to disconnect before burning out, reserving days for wellness and exercising. Domenick Napoletano was asked how being a part of a bar association contributed to his mental health. He answered that although it is a lot of extra work to be active in many bar associations, it has served as “unofficial therapy,” with there being many individuals he has been able to share the same experiences with, instead of feeling isolated, especially as a solo practitioner. Domenick highlighted the importance of humility and finding happiness in the little things in order to achieve a fulfilling life. Having a supportive community and being able to give back to it has helped many in the legal profession progress.
The speakers went over ways that they maintain a healthy work/life balance as it is crucial to implement strategies that promote both professional success and personal well-being. Some ways they keep a healthy work/life balance include setting boundaries, spending time and calling loved ones, finding a community, carving out time for yourself, finding a healthy outlet and not shortchanging oneself when it comes to hobbies and outside interests.
In the field of law, imposter syndrome can be an overwhelming obstacle, particularly for women who are continuously reminded that their profession is one that is dominated by men. Sapna Palla talked about her experience with imposter syndrome. Despite her capabilities, accomplishments and achievements, she sometimes felt like she didn’t belong, hindering her professional career. Some strategies Sapna used to overcome her struggles were reframing her mindset, embracing imperfection, and developing a support network. Overcoming imposter syndrome and burnout is a journey that requires self-awareness, resilience and support.
Glenn Magpantay shared ways that he overcomes burnout despite being a self-proclaimed workaholic. The first step Glenn takes is setting boundaries and establishing clear barriers between his professional and personal life. Secondly, he reclaims his time and invests in activities that rejuvenate and recharge him when he has the time to do so. Over the years, Glenn has developed healthy coping mechanisms and sought professional help in order to improve his overall wellbeing.
Finally moderator Yang Chen highlighted the importance of finding time for yourself and your interests, to avoid shortchanging yourself on your hobbies. Yang is able to find satisfaction in pursuing personal interests and hobbies outside of law, as well as being able to give back to causes that are important to him, which assists him in protecting his sense of personal peace and relishing in his accomplishments and achievements.
Wellness Day has been a celebration of self-care, health, and the importance of nurturing both our minds and bodies. AABANY compiled a Wellness Resources guide and encouraged attendees to reach out to AABANY and the available resources for themselves, their colleagues, friends and family. AABANY’s Wellness Resources can be found here.
AABANY thanks the following Wellness Day speakers for sharing their expertise and personal journeys:
● Joseph Milowic III, Founder, Lawyers Depression Project
● Precious L. Williams, CEO, The Perfect Pitch Group
● Sonia Low, VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
● Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, Founder and President, Future Bright Dermatology
● Celina Lee, Executive and Career coach, Podcast host, Celina Lee Coaching
● Glenn D. Magpantay, Commissioner to the U.S Commission on Civil Rights
● Domenick Napoletano, President, New York State Bar Association
● Sapna Palla, Partner, A&O Shearman
● Yang Chen, Executive Director, Asian American Bar Association of New York
AABANY thanks the following sponsors for their generous support:
Anise Health, one of our 2023 Wellness Day sponsors, is gauging interest for a peer support circle for Asian women.
Anise Health is a culturally-responsive mental health platform built by and for the Asian community providing integrated therapy and coaching. Submit the short intake form to be matched to a therapist within 2 business days.
Anise Health is offering a 4-week support circle that meets for 1 hour a week. The next cohort starts in Q2 2024 and will be led by clinician Sandra Kim for Wednesdays at 6-7pm EST. Please complete the interest form here and register for Wednesday’s time slot. If that time does not work for you, please make a note of other times you’d prefer. Anise Health will coordinate times based on everyone’s availability.
What are Peer Support Circles?
These are clinician-led small discussion groups, which research shows can increase quality of life by reducing feelings of stress and burnout. This recurring group is well-suited for women of Asian descent who are looking to connect with peers to discuss culturally specific topics
Who is the clinician facilitator?
Sandra Kim is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), an educator, a pastor, and a fitness coach. She incorporates multi-cultural, sensitive and mindfulness-based approaches building from her experience as a second generation Korean American who has lived in Asia, Europe and Africa. She incorporates various modalities in her practice including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy and biblio-therapy. She is passionate about helping professionals and women of color find their path to personal growth and fulfillment.
How will the sessions be structured?
Sandra will utilize techniques including radical acceptance, psychosomatic intelligence tips (eg Chi Ball exercises, mind-body scan), and open discussions around tensions that Asian women often face (eg caregiving at home, microaggressions at work). The sessions will be $40 per week for 4-weeks. Email [email protected] for questions.
Anise Health, one of our 2023 Wellness Day sponsors, offers the following mental health discussion group for Asian men.
Anise Health is a culturally-responsive mental health platform built by and for the Asian community providing integrated therapy and coaching. Submit the short intake form to be matched to a therapist within 2 business days.
Anise Health is offering a 4-week support circle that meets for 1 hour a week. The next cohort starts in Q2 2024 (April) and will be led by clinician Samuel Shin. Please complete the interest form here and Anise Health will coordinate times based on everyone’s availability.
What are Peer Support Circles?
These are clinician-led small discussion groups, which research shows can increase quality of life by reducing feelings of stress and burnout. This recurring group is well-suited for men of Asian descent who are looking to connect with peers to discuss culturally-specific topics
How will the sessions be structured?
Samuel is a licensed therapist and certified men’s work facilitator, and will help participants explore healthy masculinity to improve mental health, dating, relationships, career and life purpose. Samuel will utilize a framework for masculinity that comes from psychology adapted for Asian men. The sessions will be $40 per week for 4-weeks. Email [email protected] for questions.
On November 16th, 2023, AABANY hosted a Pre-Holiday Multi-Bar Association Gathering at Broadridge Financial Solutions, located at 605 3rd Avenue. This event served not only as an opportunity for members of different bar associations to come together but also represented AABANY’s continuing commitment to this year’s theme, “Embracing Wellness and Well-Being – Strengthening the Legal Profession by Investing in Ourselves.” The event was co-sponsored by the Armenian Bar Association, the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, FALA New York, the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York,the Jewish Lawyer’s Guild, the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York, the LGBT Bar of New York, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association,the New York City Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers Association, the New York State Bar Association, the South Asian Bar Association of New York, and the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens.
Recognizing that the holiday season can be challenging for many attorneys, AABANY aimed to spread the pre-holiday cheer and create a supportive network within the legal community. The event kicked off with a Potluck Dinner, to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among attendees. Each co-sponsoring bar association brought something special to the table, contributing to the potluck, bringing to the table culinary offerings as diverse as the New York legal community. From savory dishes to sweet delights, the spread featured an array of flavors that tantalized the taste buds and sparked conversations around the communal tables. Breaking bread together, attorneys from different backgrounds shared stories and experiences, creating connections that extend beyond the legal realm.
After the Potluck Dinner, attendees settled in for a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program, delving into crucial aspects of attorney well-being. Steering the discussion was Joseph Eng, Counsel at King & Spalding LLP and AABANY’s President-Elect. In a heartfelt address, Joseph openly shared his personal struggles with burnout and the ongoing pursuit of a healthy work-life balance. He took the opportunity to introduce the Lawyers Assistance Program by the NYC Bar, emphasizing its profound impact on the legal community. Building on Joseph’s poignant remarks, Eileen Travis, the Executive Director of the program, provided in-depth insights into the comprehensive services offered by the Lawyers Assistance Program. Following her, Sara Ellis, the Interim President of the Lawyers Depression Project, offered her perspective on the mental health and wellness challenges attorneys face. The narrative continued with Gayle Damiano, a motivational speaker, sharing compelling insights into the nuances of drug abuse and the transformative power of embracing change. The program culminated with a thought-provoking Q&A panel, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers. This interactive session provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the well-being resources available to legal professionals.
AABANY’s Pre-Holiday Multi-Bar Association Gathering was ultimately more than just an event—it was a testament to the legal community’s commitment to well-being and mutual support. By combining the joy of the holiday season with a focus on mental health resources, AABANY demonstrated the importance of fostering a strong, interconnected legal profession.
If you have ideas for programs or speakers on the topic of wellness and well-being, please contact President Karen Kim at [email protected].
On July 22, 2023, AABANY successfully hosted its inaugural Wellness Day in commemoration of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The event, held under the theme “Embracing Wellness and Well-Being: Strengthening the Legal Profession by Investing in Ourselves,” took place at Brooklyn Law School. This event was made possible through the generous support of our distinguished speakers and sponsors, enabling us to address crucial topics such as fostering wellness, seeking therapy, building resilience, and more.
Mental health and well-being, particularly within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and in the context of the legal profession, have often been overlooked and under-discussed. With this event, AABANY sought to break barriers and shed light on these critical issues, providing a safe and supportive platform for these conversations to take place.
Wellness Day registration started at 9 a.m. with the first 25 attendees to sign-in receiving a free stainless steel AABANY water bottle. Attendees were encouraged to come in casual attire and the program was also offered via Zoom, to be inclusive of those unable to attend in-person. The full-day event kicked off with breakfast from Paris Baguette, allowing participants to network and connect with one another over pastries and coffee for an enjoyable hour. Soon after, AABANY President Karen Kim delivered welcoming remarks. She extended her appreciation to all the attendees who joined this meaningful event and the pivotal role of the speakers and sponsors, recognizing their significant contribution to wellness and mental health advocacy.
Anu Gupta, the Founder of BE MORE with Anu, began with an enlightening presentation. His program, titled “Mindful Embodiment as a Means to Heal Burnout and Internalized Anti-Asian Bias,” commenced with a guided meditation, allowing attendees to clear their minds, relax, and focus on the session.
Anu introduced his PRISM ToolkitⓇ. PRISM is designed to help reduce unconscious bias and stereotyping, enhance social connectedness, strengthen relationships, and alleviate stress. Anu emphasized the significance of “love and kindness for oneself” and how true wellness is rooted in understanding and managing our internal environment. He stressed the importance of self-love as the foundation for extending that love to others, fostering connections beyond our differences.
Anu, a lawyer, scientist, and educator, shared his personal healing journey, which began during his 2L summer in law school when he went to Taiwan to become a monk. Continuing his quest for healing, during his 3L year, he became a certified yoga teacher. Toward the end of his presentation, Anu highlighted the wisdom of the Asian diaspora, citing the teachings of HH Dalai Lama, who emphasized the philosophy of kindness. Anu firmly believes that kindness and love should form the “foundation of society.” Thank you, Anu Gupta, for setting a meaningful tone for the day and reinforcing the importance of prioritizing wellness and meditation for personal and professional growth.
For more information about PRISM and Anu Gupta, please visit his website here.
Next, Dr. Nadine Chang, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist at Gracie Square Hospital, and Alice Zhang, CEO of Anise Health presented their program, “Mental Health 101 for the Asian Community.” They talked about misconceptions of mental illnesses, signs of depression and anxiety, importance of culturally informed care and barriers to mental health treatments.
During her presentation, Alice highlighted that “[the] current solutions [in the mental health care system] are not often tailored for minorities,” including the process of deciding to seek care, browsing for providers, conducting consultations, and continuing care. Alice then introduced the attendees to Anise Health, a culturally-responsive digital mental health and wellbeing platform dedicated to meeting the unique needs of communities of color, starting with a focus on the AANHPI population. Following up, Dr. Chang spotlighted the much-needed steps towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the AANHPI community and fostering a more understanding and supportive environment for those facing mental health issues, such as learning to support your loved ones struggling with mental illness by being more present, listening, and empathizing with the other person’s situation by reflecting on how they may think and feel being in their shoes.
To conclude the morning session, speaker Ona Lu and moderator Maggie Poon presented their fireside chat titled, “How to Find a Therapist and Mental Well-Being Tips.” Ona Lu, a former AABANY Legal Intern, began the conversation by reflecting on her journey and offering advice to her 18-year-old self. She emphasized the importance of recognizing that “everything happens for a reason” and that life experiences are opportunities to “learn and grow from.” She shared her personal journey of redirecting and rediscovering her passion for law after leaving her job as an attorney. Ona also opened up about the challenges she faced in seeking therapy, particularly coming from a conservative family. She reflected on the process of finding a therapist, admitting that it felt somewhat scary due to fear of judgment and the daunting fact of opening up to a stranger. “Finding a therapist is like dating,” she says, and advised that one should not give up on finding the right therapist. Through her inspiring story, Ona encouraged others to prioritize their mental health, emphasizing that it is okay to seek help and take care of oneself without feeling guilty or selfish. We thank Ona Lu for her openness and vulnerability of her journey and Maggie Poon for moderating a personal and intimate conversation.
When the morning session concluded, attendees were treated to a delightful spread of Korean food, providing an informal and relaxed opportunity for everyone to chat, mingle, and network over delicious and comforting fare.
Pema Sherpa, Founder of Pema Solutions, commenced the afternoon session with her program, “Cultivate Resilience to Thrive Amid Challenging Times.” She began with a brief mindful check-in breathing exercise, allowing attendees to de-stress. Then, Pema shared a powerful story about the earthquake that struck Nepal, highlighting how its impact differed for each individual and community. After the earthquake, she embarked on a rescue mission to a rural village, where she witnessed firsthand the trauma and distress faced by the people whose homes were destroyed. She was struck by the sight of normalcy amidst the devastation, as children were actively helping their parents cope with the aftermath. Curious about their experiences, Pema asked one of the children about how she dealt with the trauma of the earthquake. The child’s response was inspiring: she chose not to allow the trauma to overpower her. This particular encounter inspired Pema to reassess the power of resilience and the ability to find strength and hope even in the face of adversity. She shared that resilience serves as a protective mechanism: protects against stress, reduces loneliness, and enhances the immune system.
For more information about Pema Sherpa and Pema Solutions, please visit her website here.
Alex Su, the next speaker, is a former lawyer and the Head of Community Development at Ironclad. The fireside chat,“Overcoming Setbacks and Failures,” was moderated by President Karen Kim. Alex’s career, spanning from law to technology and even social media, didn’t always go as planned and encountered several major setbacks along the way. He shared his story, beginning with the first setback he faced: failing the bar exam. Other setbacks followed: he went from a big law firm, to creating his own, to being let go from a small firm. He then explored opportunities in sales and eventually found his way into the tech and social media industry. Through each setback, Alex acknowledged that it was an opportunity for growth and “set[ting] the path [for him] to try something new.” He emphasized that “resilience is a muscle” and that muscle develops stronger with each challenge.
Sharing his setbacks on LinkedIn proved to be a pivotal moment for Alex, as he received an outpouring of comments from peers who could relate to his experiences. This realization highlighted that many people tend to only share their successes and not their failures. When asked if he would go back in time to avoid these setbacks, considering he now gets to do what he loves, Alex responded with a resounding “Yes, 100%.” He recognized that those setbacks were necessary steps in discovering his true passions and aligning them with his personality. Each setback, “like a slap,” guided him along the right path. Thank you, Alex, for sharing your vulnerable story and serving as a powerful reminder that setbacks and failures are stepping stones towards finding one’s purpose and fulfilling career journey.
For more information about Alex Su, please visit his newsletter here.
Concluding Wellness Day, AABANY hosted a CLE program titled, “Challenges on Being the First and Prioritizing Your Well-Being.” The program included the following panelists:
Vincent Chang: first AAPI NYCLA President and former AABANY president
Hon. Sanket J. Bulsara (EDNY): first South Asian federal judge in the Second Circuit
Concepcion (“Connie”) Montoya: one of the founders of the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York, the first Filipino bar association in New York
Susan Jin Davis: Social Impact Officer for Al Roker Entertainment, formerly with Comcast Corporation, where she was the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer
and moderated by Yang Chen, first Executive Director of AABANY and former AABANY president.
The inspiring panel of firsts shared their careers and discussed various topics related to imposter syndrome, work-life balance, stress and anxiety and mental well-being. Susan Jin Davis shared that her greatest challenges of becoming the first was imposter syndrome and the lack of representation. She overcame this feeling by focusing on “the second and the third and the fourth [and] lay[ing] a pathway for the future.” Similarly, Connie resonated with the same feelings, and even more so regarding her identity as a queer Filipino woman in the legal field. Vincent highlighted the significance of finding “a great support system” and his joining many different bar associations, where he found like-minded individuals who shared careers and interests similar to his own. Judge Bulsara offered valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of not comparing oneself to others and recognizing that everyone has their unique journey in life.
The shared experiences and advice from the speakers served as valuable takeaways for all attendees. AABANY thanks them all for being a powerful influence in wellness and mental health advocacy.
We hope Wellness Day provided attendees with a relaxing day of self-care and resources to help promote the well-being of themselves and their family and peers. After a full day of speakers, good food and snacks throughout the day, attendees left with a card deck on Mindfulness or Stress Relief & Selfcare, to help further prioritize wellness.
We also want to express our sincere gratitude to President Karen Kim for successfully organizing this event and for convening an important and much-needed discussion. Wellness Day would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their valuable contribution.
Wellness Day Speakers:
Anu Gupta, BE MORE with Anu
Alice Zhang, Anise Health
Dr. Nadine Chang, Gracie Square Hospital
Ona Lu
Maggie Poon, American Express
Pema Sherpa, Pema Solutions
Alexander Su, Ironclad
Karen Kim, QBE North America
Yang Chen, AABANY
Hon. Sanket J. Bulsara, U.S. District Court (E.D.N.Y.)
Susan Jin Davis, Al Roker Entertainment
Concepcion A. Montoya, Hinshaw & Culbertson
Vincent Chang, Wollmuth Maher & Deutsch
Wellness Day Sponsors:
Brooklyn Law School
Anise Health
BEMORE with Anu
Ironclad
Pema Solutions
Advocate Sponsor: KEB Hana Bank USA
Supporter: Faegre Drinker
Co-Sponsoring Bar Associations:
Asian American Judges Association of New York (AAJANY)
Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ)
Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA New York)
Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York (HALANY)
Jewish Lawyers Guild (JLG)
Judges & Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert (JALBCA)
LGBT Bar Association of New York (LeGaL)
Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY)
Network of Bar Leaders (NoBL)
New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA)
New York State Bar Association (NYSBA)
The South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey (SABA-NJ)
South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY)
To read the full press release, please click here.
On May 31, 2023 at noon, AABANY’s Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee held its first Support Group meeting over Zoom, where 9 committee members joined and got to know each other and their practice areas. The group also discussed how they would like to hear or learn from the Committee and exchanged ideas for upcoming events. Members shared topics such as cybersecurity concerns, new technologies like ChatGPT, Alternative Dispute Resolution, mental health issues, and best practices to run a solo or small law firm. This provides a great chance for Committee Members to connect with each other and form a virtual support system that lawyers practicing in solo or small law firms might find hard to get within their own practice.
The Support Group will meet monthly and the next meeting will be on June 27 to discuss how to reap the benefits of technology implementations for your practice. On June 28, the Committee will be hosting “Using Benefits Provided by NYC Department of Small Business Services as a Solo or Small Law Firm” at 5:30 PM to help practices get the most out of services provided by the NYC Department of Small Business Services. To register by June 26 and learn more, click here. For upcoming events, please check AABANY’s calendar and update your email preference in your account to receive the Committee’s emails.
On April 15, AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) hosted a fireside chat titled “Attorney Well-Being During COVID-19.” In the face of isolating social distancing protocols and prolonged remote working arrangements, Committee Co-Chair Janet Jun organized and moderated the event in hopes of spurring more dialogue on the subject of wellness in the legal profession. Janet was joined by former AABANY President Glenn Lau-Kee and YLC Co-Chair Jane Jeong, who also hosts and produces The Whole Lawyer Podcast. At the intersection of law and wellness, Glenn serves as a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Attorney Well-Being, and Jane is a member of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association’s Wellness Committee. Together, the speakers led a candid discussion about the current state of mental health awareness, challenges in the legal profession, and tips for achieving attorney wellness during COVID-19 and beyond.
Janet kickstarted the discussion by asking about the promises and pitfalls of current efforts to improve wellness in the legal profession. Glenn spoke optimistically about NYSBA’s Task Force on Attorney Well-Being, which consists of nine working groups, each dedicated to a specific wellness issue. As the head of the working group on bar associations, Glenn described the end goal of the Task Force as a wholesale culture change in the legal profession. Glenn observed that attorneys tend to experience higher levels of stress than other professionals, with young lawyers bearing the brunt of this pressure. While larger law firms have established more initiatives to promote lawyer well-being, small firms and solo practitioners are disadvantaged by limited resources. In this context, Glenn identified bar associations as a possible avenue for equalizing wellness resources.
Diverging from Glenn’s opinion, Jane insisted that personal connections — not institutional initiatives — are the proper foundation for a more comprehensive culture of wellness. Invoking the fireside chat as an example, Jane stated that change starts at the individual level, with the creation of safe spaces for authentic conversations about personal mental health struggles.
Janet continued the discussion by asking about the source of rampant anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in the legal profession. Glenn broke the problem down into three factors: (1) a lack of boundaries for down time, (2) client expectations and demands, and (3) financial pressures. Jane connected the first and third factors, explaining that the billable hour gives lawyers a systematic incentive to work ceaselessly. Deeming many lawyers to be perfectionists who are conditioned to tie their self-worth to external accomplishments, Jane also said that self-selection bias contributes to a workaholic legal culture.
AABANY Board Member Andy Yoo joined the discussion by asking about ways in which clients can help drive change. Glenn and Jane both responded by stating that leadership buy-in is an essential catalyst for change. As Jane explained, how CEOs and CLOs treat their employees trickles down to how employees treat external counsel.
Cynthia Lam, AABANY’s Co-Vice President of Programs and Operations, then asked the speakers to share their personal strategies for maintaining well-being. Glenn emphasized the community aspect of any individual effort to promote self-care. He urged lawyers to look beyond their own team members, who are all fixated on the same work, and reach out to family members, friends, and colleagues outside of their firms. Moving forward, Glenn hopes that bar associations will also play a greater role in providing lawyers with a sense of community.
In enhancing her own mental health, Jane underscored the importance of setting and communicating boundaries with colleagues. She encouraged attendees not to cancel social plans for work except in the rare case of an emergency. Drawing on experience from her early career, Jane explained that by always saying yes to external requests, she had taught others that it was okay to overwork her. The lesson Jane derived from this experience was to treat yourself the way you want others to treat you.
Ultimately, Glenn and Jane urged attendees to carve out time for themselves to participate in communities and activities that are wholly unrelated to the law. While Jane personally benefits from working out, writing fiction, and doing yoga, she encouraged lawyers to access their own creative and reflective sides in whatever way works for them. Janet concluded the fireside chat by appealing to the desire of all attendees to be good lawyers. Only by striking a proper work-life balance can attorneys be fully enthusiastic about their careers and clients. To this extent, valuing well-being in one’s own life can help us all become more present in the lives of those around us.
AABANY thanks Janet, Glenn, and Jane for sharing their insights and leading this dialogue on the ever-relevant topic of attorney well-being. To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee and its work, click here.
